Plymouth partnership agreement launches at handover of affordable homes
Plymouth City Council has formed a new Housing Partnership Agreement with Westward Housing which builds upon an existing strong record of delivery and commits us to work together strategically across Plymouth to develop new homes and affordable housing opportunities.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, was delighted to announce the new Housing Partnership Agreement with Westward’s Executive Director of Property and Development, Rachel Searle, at the handover of the first 26 new homes, the first phase of 43 new Westward homes at Colebrook in Plympton.
Building more homes for both social rent and affordable home ownership is a Westward priority. This agreement is part of our response to tackling the housing crisis through partnership working and maximising over £22 million of investment into 82 new affordable homes to help meet need.
Further rented and shared ownership homes will follow through the spring and summer on this all-affordable estate in Plympton. The properties on this significant site are being provided in partnership and jointly funded by Plymouth City Council’s Plan for Homes initiative and Homes England’s ‘Affordable Homes Programme’ alongside funding from Westward.
The homes provide much needed affordable housing for the Plymouth area where the Devon Home Choice waiting list for Plymouth numbers more than 7,000 households.
The properties are being built by regional award-winning construction firm Classic Builders who have already provided other high quality, affordable homes for Westward in Plymouth.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, said: “I am so pleased to be here today to see these fine houses become homes for the very first time.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development,Stephen Lodge, Chief Executive at Westward Housing Group
“I’m equally delighted to sign the partnership agreement which will not only support the delivery of new homes but levers in external investment to help support Plymouth’s housing crisis.
“I have always been clear that the Council cannot do this alone so to be able to partner with Westward, who have a proven track record of success across Plymouth, is a really positive step.”
Stephen Lodge, Chief Executive at Westward Housing Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Westward to work with Plymouth City Council on a major site and make a huge difference to local people in terms of their housing options. I’m delighted to be working with our partners at Plymouth City Council and Classic Builders along with the other contractors to provide such a high standard of housing for those who need it most.”
The land was formerly a brownfield site with multiple previous uses including a bus repair yard. Colebrook is a highly desirable area of Plympton with great transport networks and local amenities.
Pictured above: Neil Mawson – Plymouth City Council housing delivery manager, Councillor Chris Penberthy – Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, Rachel Searle – Westward executive director property and development, Karen Hulbert – Westward project delivery manager, Robert Stronge – Westward chair of board at Westward, Jon Mutter – Westward assistant director of development at Westward.
